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The $5 Gold Liberty 1873 XF is a captivating example of American numismatic history, embodying the rich heritage and exquisite design of mid-19th-century U.S. coinage. Struck in .900 fine gold, this coin holds significant value both as a collectible and as a piece of American history. The 1873 $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle is particularly notable for its craftsmanship and the historical context of its production. This coin, in Extremely Fine (XF) condition, retains much of its original detail and luster, making it a prized addition to any collection.
The history of the $5 Liberty Head Half Eagle dates back to 1839, when it was first introduced by the United States Mint. Designed by Christian Gobrecht, this coin was part of a broader effort to standardize American coinage and provide a stable medium of exchange during a time of economic expansion. The Liberty Head design, also known as the Coronet Head, remained in use until 1908, making it one of the longest-running designs in U.S. coinage history. The $5 Half Eagle was widely circulated and used in everyday transactions, particularly in the West and South, where gold was a common medium of exchange.
The design of the $5 Gold Liberty is both elegant and symbolic. The obverse features a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty, adorned with a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Her hair is intricately styled, and the detailed depiction of her features reflects the high level of craftsmanship of the period. Surrounding Lady Liberty are thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen colonies, and the date "1873" is inscribed below her portrait. This classic design embodies the ideals of freedom and democracy that are central to American identity.
The reverse of the coin showcases a majestic heraldic eagle, a design that is both powerful and dignified. The eagle holds an olive branch in one talon and arrows in the other, symbolizing the nation’s commitment to peace and readiness to defend its freedom. Above the eagle’s head is a scroll bearing the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," which was added to the coin in 1866. Surrounding the eagle are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "FIVE D." indicating the coin’s denomination. The intricate detailing of the eagle’s feathers and the overall design demonstrate the artistry and precision of the minting process.
The 1873 $5 Liberty was minted at several facilities, including Philadelphia (no mint mark), San Francisco (S), and Carson City (CC). Each mint played a crucial role in producing gold coinage for various regions of the United States. Coins from these mints are identifiable by their mint marks, located on the reverse of the coin just below the eagle’s talon. The Philadelphia Mint, established in 1792, is the oldest mint in the United States and has produced many of the nation’s most iconic coins. The San Francisco Mint, established in 1854, and the Carson City Mint, established in 1870, supported the growing demand for coinage in the western United States.
The mintage of the 1873 $5 Liberty varies by mint. The Philadelphia Mint produced 60,000 coins, the San Francisco Mint produced 25,000 coins, and the Carson City Mint produced 7,416 coins. These mintages reflect the relative scarcity and collectible value of the coins from each mint. The relatively low mintage of the San Francisco and Carson City coins makes them particularly rare and desirable among collectors, while the higher mintage of the Philadelphia coins makes them more accessible. Collectors often seek out coins from specific mints to complete their collections, adding to the appeal of the 1873 $5 Liberty.
The condition of the $5 Gold Liberty 1873 XF is described as Extremely Fine, indicating that the coin has been lightly circulated and retains much of its original detail and luster. In this grade, the high points of the design, such as Liberty’s hair and the eagle’s feathers, show minor wear but remain well-defined. The fields of the coin, or the flat areas, retain much of their original texture, and the overall appearance is clean and attractive. An XF coin represents a balance between affordability and condition, offering collectors a piece that is both historically significant and visually appealing.